Skills development authority, the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (Ewseta) says that it is developing and implementing specialised renewable-energy and water management programmes in a bid to meet the growing workforce requirements in the energy and water sectors.

Ewseta will introduce courses focusing on water works management, solar panel installation, wind turbine maintenance and other green energy solutions to align with industry needs and technological advancements.

The authority body says that it will work together with industry to build skills and solutions-oriented capabilities and aim to submit its programmes for registration with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations and the South African Qualifications Authority.

Ewseta CEO Mpho Mookapele reflects on the current macroeconomic trends and alludes to the significant effect of technology in disrupting labour markets around the world.She refers to data obtained from the International Energy Agency which revealed that 4.7-million more people were employed in clean energy in 2022, than in 2019. Mookapele highlights concerns over the ‘green skills gap’ with a recent LinkedIn report revealing that only one in eight employees globally possess one or more ‘green skills’.

“We don’t want to leave South Africa’s young people and workforce behind; it is important for businesses to share their skills plans with us so that we can capacitate learners accordingly. Together with government and private entities we are collaborating to fast-track skills development initiatives that seek to upskill and reskill employees to meet the workforce demands of the changing energy and water sector,” Mookapele stresses.

Ewseta asserts that it partners with water boards, municipalities and private industries to develop qualifications that address pertinent water quality challenges. Mookapele says that a Water Works Management NQF 6 qualification has been registered and that the authority is in the process of developing a Water Resource Management qualification at NQF level 8.

“Advances in the water treatment processes will necessitate the development of qualifications that respond to the future treatment landscape,” Mookapele concludes.